Deregulation and Discipline
Last year’s decision to allow sugar exports was taken against the backdrop of surplus production. His explanation of why sugar exports were allowed, followed later by limited imports, underscores a reality that policymakers frequently face: managing agriculture in a climate-vulnerable, data-deficient and politically sensitive environment requires flexibility, not rigid dogma. Importantly, the minister acknowledged what many consumers experienced: sugar prices were pushed up by manipulation from some manufacturers and producers. Equally significant is the government’s move towards end-to-end deregulation of the sugar sector, based on the recommendations of a high-level committee chaired by Sardar Awais Leghari. Finally, the minister’s warning about excessive sugar consumption and its link to diabetes reflects a mature understanding that food policy is also health policy.
Source:The Patriot
January 23, 2026 00:07 UTC
Pakistan
Rawalpindi:Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, stated that Pakistan has overcome severe economic challenges and is now firmly on the path to development, prosperity, and stability. “We have moved past the propaganda of default; today Pakistan stands as an example of economic resilience”. He credited the government’s prudent policies for reducing inflation and revitalizing the economy, expressing confidence that Pakistan would soon graduate from the IMF program, leading to greater public relief and autonomous growth. In his address, he also paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces and the united spirit of the nation. “Our soldiers sacrifice for our future, and the entire nation stands firmly behind them”.
Source:The Patriot
January 22, 2026 16:08 UTC
Govt submits report to IHC seeking s
ISLAMABAD:The government has submitted a report to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding suspension of the X account of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. According to the report presented by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the government has been attempting for the past three and a half years to block Imran Khan’s X account. The PTA first wrote to X on August 21, 2022, requesting suspension of the account. The report further stated that on November 27, 2025, the PTA asked X to block 47 posts from Imran Khan’s account. Complaints from other countries, the PTA said, are reviewed by these platforms strictly under their own internal policies rather than local laws.
Source:The Patriot
January 22, 2026 08:08 UTC
Rana Sanaullah says 18th Amendment can
ISLAMABAD :– Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that the 18th Constitutional Amendment was passed with consensus, but it can still be improved through renewed consensus, adding that the Constitution provides room for improvement throughout. Speaking to the media, Rana Sanaullah said a thorough investigation should be conducted into the fire incident at Gul Plaza to determine who approved the additional floors and when they were constructed, stressing that complete accountability is necessary. Rana Sanaullah added that Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas are people who believe in democracy, but he does not think negotiations will begin immediately. Responding to Khawaja Asif’s statement, Rana Sanaullah said that Khawaja Asif expressed his personal opinion in the National Assembly and that it is not appropriate to stop anyone from speaking in parliament. Reiterating his stance, the prime minister’s adviser said that while the 18th Amendment was adopted with consensus, there is room for improvement through dialogue, and discussion on the amendment should take place.
Source:The Patriot
January 22, 2026 08:08 UTC
Pakistan braces for wet weather as snowfall lashes northern areas
The PMD reported that rain has been ongoing since last night in multiple areas of Balochistan. Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Muslim Bagh, Toba Kakari, and Toba Achakzai are experiencing snowfall along with rain. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, cloudy weather has prevailed across most areas, with light snowfall reported on higher mountains and increased cold conditions in lower regions. Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also expected to receive rain over the next 24 hours. Snowfall is expected in upper mountainous areas, raising concerns about landslides and flooding in streams.
Source:The Patriot
January 22, 2026 08:08 UTC
PM Shehbaz meets IMF chief and Palestinian counterpart at Davos
DAVOS :– Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held separate meetings with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. During the meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, the IMF chief acknowledged and commended Pakistan’s ongoing reform efforts. In a separate engagement, Palestinian premier Mohammad Mustafa met PM Shehbaz Sharif during the forum. The Palestinian leader personally approached the Pakistani prime minister to introduce himself, reflecting the cordial nature of the interaction. PM Mohammad Mustafa expressed heartfelt gratitude to PM Shehbaz for Pakistan’s consistent, principled, and unwavering support for the Palestinian people.
Source:The Patriot
January 22, 2026 08:08 UTC
Pakistan’s Worst Economic Crisis and the Engineering Paradox: Why a Nation of Builders Is Being Forced to Watch Itself Collapse
This contradiction—between national need and institutional neglect—lies at the heart of Pakistan’s economic crisis. Many unemployed engineers are forced into survival jobs such as delivery services, retail sales, clerical work, or private tutoring. Contractors bidding for public and private projects are legally required to employ Pakistan Engineering Council–registered engineers. Unemployed engineers, desperate for income, are forced to sell their PEC stamp for as little as Rs. Pakistan’s chronic energy crisis, water mismanagement, and infrastructure decay are structural outcomes of this mismatch between authority and expertise.
Source:The Nation
January 22, 2026 08:00 UTC
'Wanted criminal' shot dead
He had been involved in crimes including murder, dacoity, highway robbery and contract killingsA suspect wanted in 48 criminal cases in South Punjab, was killed in an alleged encounter with the Crime Control Department (CCD) Khanewal, police said on Tuesday. Police said Nazir Ahmed alias Nazir Awad, a resident of village 4-AH near Khanewal, was killed during an exchange of fire with CCD personnel in a mango orchard in Kabirwala. Police said Nazir Awad had been active in the criminal world since 1996 and was considered a "mentor" by dacoits operating in riverine (kacha) areas as well as criminal gangs across the province. He was regarded as one of the most feared criminals in Khanewal, often terrorising rivals by opening fire on their homes. Last year, he allegedly shot dead a Khanewal Municipal Committee employee, Zafar Gujjar, in broad daylight while the victim was on his way to duty.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 22, 2026 04:44 UTC
Karachi administration has become helpless in the face of such incidents: SK Niazi
PTI has reached this point because of its own deeds: Tahirah Aurangzeb, PML-N and PPP are united for the national interest: Shahida Rehmani, Protest is our right: Prince GustasapBy Staff ReporterISLAMABAD: Editor In Chief Pakistan Group of Newspaper and Chairman Roze News SK Niazi while talking in his renowned talk show Sachi Baat, Prince Gustav defeated Nawaz Sharif, Mehmood Achakzai used to come to my programs every week, Incidents happen every day in Karachi, Sindh government is not doing the work it should have done there, Karachi administration has become helpless in the face of such incidents, the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is much worse than in other provinces, you have been in power for thirteen years, the people are also with you, PTI could not improve the conditions of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, elections have never been fair in our country, a lot of health work is being done in Sindh, very good hospitals have been built in Sindh, corruption has reached its peak in the country, what can they do on February 8, they have held rallies before, they will be wasting their time on February 8, Bilawal Bhutto is doing good work, the government, together with the Field Marshal, established good relations with other countries, corruption should be eradicated from the country, Pakistan’s internal situation could not fix this. business people are not coming to the country; people are sending money out of the country. Tahirah Aurangzeb said everyone can wish, what’s wrong with Bilawal Bhutto becoming Prime Minister, differences are the beauty of democracy, PPP and PML-N have made great sacrifices for the country, PTI has reached this point because of its own deeds, I have no desire to meet the founder of PTI, Mahmood Achakzai is a very confused politician, we have no confrontation with the PPP, Fire in Gul Plaza is a big tragedy, Karachi is a very big city, the lives lost in Gul Plaza are extremely sad, the provinces also help us, the 18th Amendment has given powers to the provinces, many illegal encroachments were demolished in Punjab too, during the Plaza incident, the machinery was working very slowly, human lives are all important, Whoever is involved in this incident should be punished, operation underway in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there was zero terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the PML-N era, Field Marshal has said that the operation will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated, terrorism is on the rise in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Prime Minister has asked Syed Murad Ali Shah to purchase the latest equipment to control the fire, very good hospitals have been built in Punjab too, you won’t see much garbage in Rawalpindi, If you see garbage, I will give up my seat, Nawaz Sharif gave her space for Shaukat Khanum Hospital. Shahida Rehmani said PPP and PML-N are separate parties, the person the people vote for will be elected, PML-N and PPP are united for the national interest, we are committed to the Charter of Democracy, there is no room for chaos in the country, Karachi Gul Plaza is a very heartbreaking incident, Plaza’s union is responsible, the union there had not taken any emergency measures, the union did not install a fire and fighter system, there is no compensation for the lives lost, when the news came, water reached the plaza within twenty minutes, there is a lot of pressure on MA Jinnah, Deputy Mayor arrived immediately after the incident, debris is being removed, the intensity of the fire was very high, people who were inside could not come out because the doors were closed, the nation comes together on the occasion of such tragedies, we should work together during such incidents, A lot of work has been done in Sindh after NFC, people from all over the country come to Sindh for treatment. MNA Tehreek-e-Insaf Prince Gustasap said PTI is fighting for the national interest, I have heard Khawaja Asif’s conversation, A population of 42 million cannot be controlled like this, Punjab’s population has crossed 120 million, similarly, the population of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also increased, After the 18th Amendment, powers have been transferred to the provinces, after the provinces were given these powers, they could not be extended further, powers are not being given at the lower level, If there were powers at the grassroots level, incidents like Karachi would not have happened, we need to fix the system in the country, Founder built Shaukat Khanum Hospital for all four provinces, we must leave behind and move forward, all parties should unite for the national interest, Governance will not improve until action is taken, protest is our right, no one can stop it.
Source:The Patriot
January 21, 2026 19:26 UTC
Mahmood Achakzai as Opposition Leader
Asif MahmoodPakistan Tehreek e Insaf is hailing Mahmood Achakzai’s appointment as Leader of the Opposition as a political win. The message this decision sends is brutal: when it comes to real political engagement, PTI believes none of its own people are up to the job. If, however, PTI expects Achakzai to lead a high voltage resistance campaign inside parliament, the choice is no less puzzling. PTI’s political behavior follows a familiar pattern. Now Mahmood Achakzai has entered this arena.
Source:The Patriot
January 21, 2026 19:26 UTC
A new engine for economic revival
Pakistan and China have long shared a strategic partnership, but the future of this relationship increasingly depends on economic depth rather than symbolism. The focus of the meeting exports, manufacturing, mining, minerals, and national industrial policy reflects a pragmatic understanding of Pakistan’s real economic strengths. At a time when Pakistan faces persistent balance-of-payments pressures, low industrial output, and declining foreign investment, such high-level engagements signal a renewed seriousness in translating diplomatic ties into economic dividends. For too long, Pakistan’s industrial development has been hampered by policy inconsistency, red tape, and lack of coordination between institutions. In essence, Pakistan–China industrial cooperation is no longer just a diplomatic slogan it is becoming a strategic economic necessity.
Source:The Patriot
January 21, 2026 19:26 UTC
IHC seeks response on petition challenging presiden
ISLAMABAD – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday sought responses from the federal government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on a petition filed by Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) challenging the presidential ordinance delaying local government elections in the federal capital. During the proceedings, Jamaat-e-Islami Islamabad Ameer Mohammad Nasrullah Randhawa appeared before the court along with his counsel, Advocate Chaudhry Shoaib Ahmed. The counsel further contended that local government elections in Islamabad had now been delayed for the fourth time. He requested the court to declare the presidential ordinance null and void and direct the authorities to hold local government elections in the federal capital. The court issued notices to the federal government and the Election Commission, seeking their responses, and adjourned the hearing until January 27.
Source:The Patriot
January 21, 2026 08:12 UTC
LHC begins process to appoint judges t
LAHORE: Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Aalia Neelum, has initiated a formal process to fill all 60 approved judge positions in the court, including 18 currently vacant seats. The LHC has an approved strength of 60 judges, however, this number has never been fully achieved in the past. At present, 42 judges, including the Chief Justice, are performing judicial duties at the LHC, while 18 seats remain vacant. The selected names will then be forwarded by the Chief Justice and other commission members to the Chairman of the Judicial Commission. Lahore High Court Bar Secretary Farrukh Ilyas Cheema also welcomed the move, saying it would help ensure prompt justice and strengthen the judicial system.
Source:The Patriot
January 21, 2026 08:12 UTC
PM Shehbaz reaches Davos to attend WEF's annual meeting
ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reached Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) from January 20-22, 2026. The prime minister was warmly received by Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nation Muhammad Bilal, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Switzerland Marghoob Saleem, and Pakistan’s diplomatic staff in Switzerland at the Zurich airport. During his official visit, the prime minister will engage in important diplomatic and economic activities besides holding bilateral meetings with various heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organizations. “Arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to advance Pakistan’s engagement at the World Economic Forum with global trade and investment partners,” the prime minister wrote on his official ‘X’ account. “We are ready to harness this potential into mutually beneficial economic cooperation and long-term investment,” he added.
Source:The Patriot
January 21, 2026 08:12 UTC
PMD forecasts cold, dry weather
ISLAMABAD : The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast cold and dry weather for most parts of the country while fog over a few areas of Punjab and upper Sindh in the morning and night during the next 24 hours. The federal capital Islamabad and its surrounding areas are expected to experience partly cloudy and cold weather. Partly cloudy and cold conditions are likely in other districts. In Punjab, cold and dry weather will dominate most areas, with partly cloudy conditions in the Pothohar region. In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, cloudy weather with isolated rain and snowfall is expected.
Source:The Patriot
January 21, 2026 08:12 UTC